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Delicious Beef Burrito Casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh ingredients

Beef Burrito Casserole

A cozy, cheesy weeknight dinner that feeds a crowd without fuss and is great for leftovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, chopped Use fresh onion for sweetness.
Canned and Packaged Goods
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning One packet or 2 tablespoons.
  • 16 ounces refried beans About 2 cups, pack thick, not runny.
  • 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup Undiluted; substitute with cream of mushroom or celery if preferred.
  • ¾ cup sour cream Smooths the casserole.
Tortillas and Cheese
  • 10 large flour tortillas, cut in half Over-wet tortillas can make it soggy.
  • 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded Kid-approved.
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded For a little kick.
Garnishes
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped Brightens the finish.
  • 1 piece lime Squeeze over the beef mixture.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion; cook until the beef browns and the onion becomes tender, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat. Stir in the refried beans and taco seasoning; the mixture should thicken.
  3. Squeeze the lime over the beef mixture and stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed. Set aside.
Assembly
  1. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup and sour cream until smooth.
  2. Spoon a thin layer of the sour-cream mixture into the bottom of the dish. Lay half-cut tortillas flat along the edges and three halves across the center to cover the bottom.
  3. Spread half the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
  4. Repeat with another layer of sour-cream mixture, tortillas, beef, and cheese. Finish with remaining cheese on top.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20 minutes if fresh, or 30 minutes if chilled, until edges bubble and cheese turns golden.
  2. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.